25 July 2023
community
The Kasika Conservancy Borehole Project: Delivering Water Security
When you’re on the Chobe River it’s easy to understand how the river sustains the largest population of African elephants in the world. In fact, at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi, at the end of Impalila Island where Botswana and Namibia meet, the water system is teeming with life – be it fish, bird or animal. It is one of the most extraordinary places on earth.
And yet those on fishing trips or luxury safaris often don’t realise that rural communities just beyond the border in the Kasika Conservancy in Namibia, struggle to access clean, running water.
Local wells have collapsed or run dry (with water tables dipping thanks to drought); collecting water from safe water sources requires covering great distances; and many rivers and tributaries are home to crocodiles and hippo – meaning simply collecting water can be a life-threatening endeavour.
In this part of the world, accessing clean water is not as simple as turning on a tap.
“It’s a massive deal for those who finally have access to water after years of struggle, and the Borehole Project now supports a bottling and recycling plant too!”- Doreen
And so, for the Zambezi Queen Collection, where sustainable community development is just as important as protecting our environment, the Kasika Conservancy Borehole Project has become an important initiative for both our team and our guests – who are as passionate about sustainable tourism and making a real, long-term difference as we are.
Improving Lives: Clean Water for Namibia’s Rural Communities with the Kasika Conservancy Borehole Project
In fact, as all our staff on the Zambezi Queen, Chobe Princesses and at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge are employed from the local communities, we’re always proud to throw our support behind community initiatives. The Kasika Conservancy Borehole Project is particularly important as it aims to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community through water security.
The project sunk its first borehole in 2020 – providing villagers with instant access to clean water. Not only has it had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing, but it has helped them grow crops, explore job opportunities, and take the first steps to a future beyond the Government’s grant system.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism: Making a Difference in Africa’s Community Development
The Kasika Conservancy Borehole Project is ongoing, and additional boreholes will be piped to strategically positioned outlets to allow for even distribution of water within the community, serving at least 400 people. It’s a massive deal for those who finally have access to water after years of struggle, and the Borehole Project now supports a bottling and recycling plant too!
For visitors determined to travel responsibly and give back to the communities that have welcomed them so warmly, it’s a wonderful way to support the people living alongside the region’s wilderness areas and protected reserves – and ensure their tourism dollars make a very real difference when it comes to community development in Africa.
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